Remedies for Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis can be a challenging skin condition, causing discomfort and inconvenience for those affected. Adults dealing with psoriasis are often on the lookout for effective treatments to manage their symptoms. This includes both natural and pharmaceutical remedies, each offering potential relief. From soothing natural treatments to targeted pharmaceutical interventions, understanding the available options is crucial for managing psoriasis effectively.

Natural Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis

Natural remedies can play a significant role in managing plaque psoriasis symptoms. These treatments are often preferred for their minimal side effects and holistic benefits:

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel, extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, is renowned for its soothing properties. It can help reduce redness, inflammation, and scaling associated with psoriasis lesions. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas may provide relief from itching and discomfort.

Oats: Oats have anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for soothing irritated skin. Taking an oatmeal bath or applying a paste made from finely ground oats and water onto the skin can help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation.

Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest that taking turmeric supplements or applying a paste made from turmeric powder and water onto psoriasis lesions may help reduce symptoms and improve skin health.

Fish Oil: Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming fish oil regularly may help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, including redness, scaling, and itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and may help balance the pH of the skin. Diluting apple cider vinegar with water and applying it to psoriasis lesions or adding it to bathwater may provide relief from itching and irritation.

Dead Sea Salt: Bathing in water enriched with Dead Sea salt, which is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Soaking in Dead Sea salt baths can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Diluting tea tree oil with a carrier oil and applying it topically to psoriasis lesions may help reduce redness and inflammation.

Capsaicin: Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, has been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical creams containing capsaicin may help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis.

Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight exposure can help improve psoriasis symptoms for some individuals. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. However, it's essential to practice sun safety and avoid overexposure, which can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Probiotics: Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function. Some research suggests that consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements may benefit individuals with psoriasis by modulating the immune response and reducing disease severity.

Oregon Grape: Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a plant native to North America, traditionally used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes. Its root contains berberine, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some individuals with psoriasis report improvement in symptoms after applying creams or ointments containing Oregon grape extract.

Indigo Naturalis: Indigo naturalis is a dark blue powder derived from the leaves and stems of the indigo plant (Isatis tinctoria). Used in traditional Chinese medicine, it has shown promise in clinical studies for its anti-inflammatory effects on psoriasis lesions. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, some individuals find relief from applying indigo naturalis ointment topically to affected areas.

Mahonia aquifolium: Commonly known as Oregon grape, this plant contains berberine, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that applying creams or ointments containing Mahonia aquifolium extract may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in individuals with psoriasis.

Bee Venom Therapy: Bee venom therapy involves deliberately getting stung by bees or applying products containing bee venom to the skin. Advocates believe that bee venom has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate psoriasis symptoms. However, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is anecdotal, and this therapy carries the risk of allergic reactions.

Goeckerman Therapy: Goeckerman therapy combines coal tar application with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. While coal tar has been used for centuries to treat psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, the addition of UV light enhances its effectiveness. This therapy is typically administered under medical supervision in specialized clinics.

Mud Packs: Some spas offer mud packs or wraps containing mineral-rich mud from natural sources like the Dead Sea. The minerals in the mud, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, may help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve psoriasis symptoms.

Shark Cartilage: Shark cartilage, derived from the skeletons of sharks, has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. Some proponents believe that consuming shark cartilage supplements may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms by modulating the immune response. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.

Vitamin B12 Injections: Vitamin B12 injections have gained attention as a potential treatment for psoriasis, particularly for individuals with low vitamin B12 levels. While research on the efficacy of vitamin B12 injections specifically for psoriasis is limited, some individuals report improvement in symptoms after receiving regular injections.

Blue Light Therapy: Blue light therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, involves exposing the skin to a specific wavelength of blue light to target psoriasis lesions. While less common than traditional UV phototherapy, some individuals find blue light therapy effective in reducing inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis.

Dietary Modifications: While not inherently unusual, dietary modifications focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms for some individuals. Elimination diets that exclude potential trigger foods, such as gluten or dairy, are also explored by some individuals with psoriasis.

Moreover, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also positively impact psoriasis management. Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco can significantly benefit skin health.

For further insights on natural remedies, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation at National Psoriasis Foundation.

Pharmaceutical Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis

For more severe cases or when natural treatments aren't enough, pharmaceutical options can offer relief:

Topical Treatments:

• Corticosteroids: These are the most commonly prescribed medication for treating mild to moderate psoriasis and include brands like Clobex and Dovonex.
• Vitamin D Analogues: These synthetic forms of vitamin D, such as calcipotriene (Dovonex), help to slow skin cell growth.

Systemic Medications:

• Methotrexate: A systemic medication that slows cell turnover, reducing psoriatic plaque formation.
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf): Suppresses the immune system to slow down the growth of skin cells.

Biologics:

Biologic drugs are a newer class of treatment designed to target specific parts of the immune system. These include:

• Adalimumab (Humira)
• Etanercept (Enbrel)
• Infliximab (Remicade) Ilumya is a biologic that was approved for the treatment of psoriasis in 2018. It is also being tested as a treatment for psoriatic arthritis

Newer Treatments:

• PDE4 Inhibitors: Apremilast (Otezla) is an oral medication that targets molecules inside immune cells to reduce inflammation.
• Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: Recent approvals like Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) have provided new oral options for psoriasis care.

For those exploring pharmaceutical treatments, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to find the most suitable medication. The American Academy of Dermatology offers more information on the latest treatments.

Final Thoughts

Managing plaque psoriasis involves a blend of personal care, natural remedies, and possibly pharmaceutical treatments, depending on the severity of the condition. Whether opting for soothing natural treatments or considering the latest in pharmaceutical advancements, it's important to approach psoriasis care under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Empowerment starts with informed choices, and with the right combination of treatments, managing plaque psoriasis can become a more achievable task.